The Sylvan Heights Oasis

At Nashville Dip Pools, some of our favorite projects aren't built in sprawling backyards with endless space. They're built in the overlooked corners of urban Nashville where thoughtful design can completely transform how a family lives and enjoys their home.

The Sylvan Heights Oasis is a perfect example.

Before the Transformation

When we first visited this Sylvan Heights property, the backyard already had a substantial paver patio. Unfortunately, the space wasn't being used the way the homeowners had envisioned.

The existing pavers had been installed on sand and had settled unevenly over time. Weeds were growing through the joints, the surface had become irregular, and a large fire pit occupied the center of the patio but sat largely unused. While there was a lower patio level with a charming outdoor bar that the homeowners still enjoyed, the upper patio had become a space they simply walked through rather than lived in.

Their request was straightforward:

"Reimagine the upper patio, but leave the lower patio untouched."

Like many Nashville homeowners, they weren't looking for a bigger house. They wanted to make better use of the one they already loved.

Designing an Extension of the Home

The goal quickly became clear: create a backyard retreat that felt like a natural extension of the home itself.

Working through our design process, we developed a plan centered around three key elements:

• A compact plunge pool perfectly scaled for the space

• A waterfall feature designed to help mask city noise and create a more relaxing atmosphere

• New hardscaping that would blend seamlessly with the existing lower patio and outdoor bar area

The result would be a cohesive outdoor living space where every square foot served a purpose.

Challenge #1: No Remaining Impervious Coverage

One of the biggest hurdles appeared before construction even began.

Like many urban properties throughout Nashville, the lot had already consumed nearly all of its allowable impervious coverage. Between the home, detached garage, and existing patio, there was no remaining capacity to add additional hardscape or a pool.

This is something we encounter frequently. Homeowners often install patios, artificial turf, or other improvements over the years without realizing those additions count toward their property's impervious surface calculations. Everything works fine until they decide to build a pool and discover they've already used their available allowance.

Our original plan was to remove the existing pavers, install the pool, and reinstall the same patio. Unfortunately, the existing Belgard pavers were not a permeable paver system and would not satisfy city requirements.

The solution was a complete hardscape replacement using Techo-Bloc Blu 60 permeable pavers in Greyed Nickel, allowing the project to move forward while meeting permitting requirements.

Challenge #2: An Overhead Electrical Line

Another obstacle was impossible to miss.

An overhead electrical service line ran directly across the center of the backyard and over the proposed pool location. Beyond being a significant visual distraction, it also created a code compliance issue. Pools must maintain minimum clearances of 10 feet from overhead electrical lines, and the existing line placement would not allow construction to proceed.

Before pool construction could begin, the Nashville Dip Pools electrician worked with NES to relocate the electrical service from one side of the home to the other.

While not the most glamorous part of a backyard transformation, addressing this issue removed a major eyesore and ultimately improved the appearance of the entire property.

Challenge #3: The Hidden Sewer Line

The most unexpected challenge didn't reveal itself until excavation began.

As we started digging, we discovered a sewer line running directly through the planned pool location. The cleanout had been hidden within a landscaping bed and was not visible during our initial site assessments.

Rather than allowing the discovery to create major delays, our team immediately documented the issue and met with the homeowners to review options.

Together, we determined the best solution was to rotate the pool ninety degrees.

Because we maintain close communication throughout construction, we were able to quickly provide photos, videos, and updated recommendations. Our design team turned around revised renderings almost immediately, allowing the homeowners to visualize the new orientation and approve the adjustment with confidence.

The change avoided the sewer line, preserved the project's functionality, and kept construction moving forward.

This moment perfectly illustrates the importance of strong communication and collaboration between homeowner and builder. By working together and making decisions quickly, we were able to avoid significant delays and keep the project on schedule.

A Decision About More Than a Pool

One of the most meaningful parts of this project happened before construction ever began.

Several months passed between our initial consultation and contract signing.

During that time, the homeowners wrestled with a question many families face:

Should they move to a larger home with the amenities they wanted, or reinvest in the home they already owned?

After exploring the Nashville housing market, they ultimately decided their existing home—with its favorable mortgage rate and beloved neighborhood—was worth investing in.

Rather than buying a different house, they chose to create the lifestyle they wanted where they already lived.

Then, during construction, we received exciting news: they were expecting a baby.

Suddenly, this project became about much more than a pool. It became about creating a space where a growing family could spend time together for years to come.

Construction wrapped up just a couple of months before their new arrival.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Project Specifications

While every Nashville Dip Pools project is custom tailored to the homeowner and property, the Sylvan Heights Oasis features a carefully selected combination of materials and finishes that create a timeless, modern aesthetic.

At the heart of the project is an 8' x 17' Immerspa fiberglass dip pool finished in a rich dark gray color enhanced with shimmering fleck accents. The shell measures 8 feet wide, 17 feet long, and 4.5 feet deep, striking the perfect balance between lounging, socializing, and cooling off during Nashville's hot summers.

The pool's interior layout includes partial bench seating along both sides, allowing guests to comfortably sit and relax while still preserving plenty of open space for standing, floating, and play.

Surrounding the pool is a beautiful hardscape composed of Techo-Bloc Blu 60 permeable pavers paired with Techo-Bloc Raffinato coping, both selected in the sophisticated Greyed Nickel color. The retaining walls and steps were constructed using Belgard wall block, creating a seamless transition between the upper and lower portions of the backyard.

For added convenience and peace of mind, the homeowners chose to include an automatic pool cover. In addition to enhancing safety, the auto cover helps keep debris out of the water, reduces maintenance requirements, and improves energy efficiency.

One of the standout features of the project is the custom waterfall. Beyond its visual appeal, the sound of moving water helps soften the surrounding city noise, creating a peaceful retreat and adding incredible ambiance to the backyard experience.

After construction was complete, the homeowners put the finishing touches on the space with thoughtfully selected patio furnishings and lush green plantings. Their attention to detail elevated an already beautiful project and truly transformed the backyard into an urban oasis.

The Finished Result

Today, what was once an underused and uneven patio has become a true backyard retreat.

The new plunge pool serves as the centerpiece of the space. The waterfall feature creates a calming backdrop that helps soften the sounds of the surrounding city. The permeable paver system ties the entire yard together while satisfying permitting requirements. Most importantly, the backyard is now actively used and enjoyed by the family every day.

Projects like the Sylvan Heights Oasis remind us why we love what we do.

At Nashville Dip Pools, we aren't simply building pools. We're helping homeowners unlock the potential of spaces they already have and transforming underutilized backyards into meaningful extensions of their homes.

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